Apparatus for practicing orthopedia



NQv. 17, 1925. 1,562,266 M. E. TODD APPARATUS FOR PRACTICING ORATI-OFEDIA Filed Feb. 25, 1922 3 Slxeets--Sheet` 1 Yf" j" Z 2% ly' n u" "N"- Z9 Nov. 17', 1925- 1,562,266 M. E, TODD APPARATUS FOR PRGTICING ORTHOPEDIA Filed Feb. 25. 1922 n v:5 sheets-sheet 2 /fff l Nov. 17, 1925- M. E. TODD APPARATUS FOR-PRACTICING ORTHOPEDIA Filed Feb. 25, 1922 3 Sheets-Shea?I 5 mi Cdc/Q fief W Patented Nov. 17, 1925-.

MABEL ErisWoRT-r'ronn, or Bosfron, ,.mnssncrrusnrrs.

lArrARATUs non.rnncriomeonrnornnia I Application inca February'za 1922. serrano. 539,211..

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MABEL ELSWORTH TODD, a citizen of the United States of' America, and resident of ABoston, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented new and useful lmprovements in Apparatus for Practicing Orthopedia, of which the following isa specification.

The invention consists Yof an apparatus for the practice ofcorth'opedia. It 'is' concerned with the correction of physicalv de-l fects due to misplacement of parts of'thel bony framework of the body, such as spinalcurvatures, anterior, posterior and lateral,

round shoulders and sagging chest, tosis,`

etc., characterized by abnormally strained and Weak muscles in the immediate vicinity' of the defect and invariably resulting in a faulty adjustment of the weight of the various parts thereby imposing an unbalanced and strained condition upon the whole body. Such physical defects are ordinarily evin denced by incorrect posture of the afflicted individuals.

lWhile it is possible as heretofore, by the external application of force, as by means of a suitable harness or jacket, usually worn for many years, or by the manipulation of a skilled operator, to cause the misplacedV bones to assume a normal position; this imposition of a ldesired condition frequently subjects the patient to great discomfort if not actual pain and does not tend to effect a permanent cure. The reasons for this arev inherent in the structure of the human body itself. The bones making up the framework of the body are not positively united byk rigid fastening means such as bolts and nuts, as in articles and machinery in common use, but may be considered rather'as tied together `Vith string, the string being the ligaments. These string connections permit relative movement of the bones and do not of themselves maintain the bones in any one particular position, but merely link the partsv together. The real support or force by which the bones are enabled' to function as aframework by being held in definite positions is provided by the muscles which are also fastened to the bones by strings or ligaments. A muscle can pull, hold or release, but cannot push. Hence muscles are mounted in pairs oppositely disposed, one to pull the'bone in one direction,

the other to reverse the' kmovement of the bone by pulling in' the other direction.`

W'hen a muscle pulls it'contracts or shortens',`

weakens when not'use and can'be'restored @Strength .and visor by exercise' Provided', it Ihas notbeen-unu'sed lfor too long a"peri od.'-

Alarge percentage of structural; physicaldefectsis' dueto weakened or undeveloped? muscles Whichare not strong enoughto" maintain the'bones 'to' whichy they are'at'-,v

tached in" normalkr position. l The adjacent' parts `of the body accordingly become-f; 1nifs' alined and out*V ofV balance 'subjecting .the other lsupporting muscles( to rundue!strain and forcing the vitalorgans into positions into which it is'diflicult` for them t o*'func tion in anormal manner. 'A general weak-:-

ening of the entiresystem often results.

The ability of a muscle to rebuild 'itself by exercise is completely ignoredvwhen' a jacket or harness is used to provide an `artificial and `external support for"the"body. Such a'device is effective in A`forcing tle'mis-pl placed bones back to normal position 'but since it yoperatesiasxa substitute for muscles,` the muscles themselves are left without'. func,-y tion and deprived of movement andexercise: HenceV they become VVfurther A weakened or en-A tirely useless if thedevice isi kept on for an` extended period. VThefelfect of such a device is accordingly more likely to b'e an aggravation than an alleviation of the trouble and When the device is iremovedlthe patient'is usually worse oifptha'n before. While ma-v nipulation of the 'misplaced'i parts byv a' skilled operator is not'soliableto cause per# manent weakening of the muscles it is'in the nature of an imposition from Without rather than l a building from` Within and the results after long periods of treatment are frequently verydisappointing. f vThe objects ofthe invention are to con' rect physical defects by producing an'equab" ity of action of thev structural musclesl of the body which will bring'thevweights of the body back to central or symmetrical support,

to attain this equalityof action lby guiding `the patient' infintelligent development of? kthe `corrective movements of his body by the provision of differential Contact pressures 'at selected points, to make provision for the readjustment from time to time of apparatus for applying differential pres-l sure, to provide reference devices whereby the amount of correction of defects may be noted and measured and whereby normal posture of the body maybe indicated, and to provide apparatus whereby the above objects may be attained which shall be simple i due to the relative paucity of nerve cells, a

high degree of accurate differentiation of pressure sensation isl not essential to the successful utilization of the .invention In its broader aspect the invention comprises the method of correcting orthopedic deformities characterized by applyingrphysical pressure dierential in character to selected parts of the body and so localizing the inferior pressure that muscular effort to equalize the pressure differential tends also to correct the deformity. In order ef fectively to confine the movements to the muscles which require to be strengthened, various parts yof the body adjacent the deformity. are fixed in normal position. The

invention further provides apparatus for practicing the above method consisting of a frame adapted to receive or be attached to a human body and provided Ywith a series of adjustable contact and pressure members. -The contact members may be adjusted to tix the position of the body relative to the frame, and may also serve to indicate the normalcontour of parts of the body, such as the curve of the spine, etc.v Hence they X planes of reference and points of reference for adjusting-the pressure members.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention concrete embodiments of typical apparatus for practicing the herein disclosed method are shown, in which, Y

Fig. l is a side elevational view;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view on the line 2-2 of Fig. l; Y i

Fig. 3 is a front elevational View;

Fig. 4 isa rear elevational view of the lower portion of the apparatus;

Fig. 5'is an enlarged section on the line 5-5 of Fig. l;

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6 6 of Fig. 2;

Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10 and Vl1 are plan views of dierent forms of contact and pressure members;

` Figs. 12 and 13 are respectively a section through and a front elevation of a modified form of tip; Y

Figs. 14, l5 and 16 are diagrammatical views illustrating the use of the apparatus;

The embodiment of the invention shown for the purpose of illustration consists of a frame having a base 20, a support or block 21, spaced in relation to base 20 by means of angularly disposed connecting members or legs, four in number, comprising member 22 at the front and members 23,l 24'and 25 at 'the rear. rllhe leg 22 is notched upon its forward edge as indicated at 26 and has an elongated slot 27 on its broad face disposed in parallelism with the axis thereof. Leg 24 has a similar slot 28. Mounted for adjustment upon legs 22 and 24 is a foot" rest' 29 having a deep groove 30 at the rear in which leg 22Vis received, the portion of the rest 29 adjacent the'inner end of the groove cooperating with notches 26 on leg 22. Attached to the under side of rest 29 and extending rearwardly therefrom' are parallelly disposed members 3l receiving therebetween leg 24 and provided with a longitudinally disposed alined slot 32. The forward portion of members 3l have alined openings receiving a clamping bolt 33 which extends through slot 27 and is provided on its free end with a wing nut 34 for clamping members 3l against leg 22. A similar clamping'bolt 33 is also provided with a wing nut 34 to clamp the rearward ends of members 3l upon leg 24 by extending through slots 28 and 32.

Block 2l is provided near its forward end with a cross piece 35 extending beyond the sides of the block as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4. This cross piece supports a saddle seat 36 in two parts, one part being disposed on each side of block 2l. These parts as indicated in Fig. 6 -comprise a plate 37 grooved or recessed as indicated at 38 to receive cross piece 35. Eccentrically disposed on plate 37 which may be of irregular shape as indicated in Fig. 2 is a thick disk 39 of relatively Vhard material such as wood, slightly concave upon its upper surface as indicated at 40. Through a centrally disposed opening 41 in the disk extends a clamping bolt 33 which is received in the slot 42 in cross piece 35 whereby the parts of saddle seat 36 may be adjustably positioned longitudinally of the cross piece. Th1' Lipper surface of plate 37, surrounding disk 39 is provided with a cushion 43 having a cover of leather or other suitable material.

The rear portion of the block 2l is slotted to receive therein a post or upright 45 perpendicularly disposed in relation to the plane of the upper surface of the block and clamping rigidly held in place by bolts 46. This upright as shown in section in Fig. 2 yhas crossed longitudinal slots 47 and 48 continuous from a point near block 21 and terminating near the top. of the upright. Mounted upon upright is a series of contacting and pressure members each having an adjusting portion which has a longitudinal slot 5l. These adjusting portions are adapted to be received in slot 4S and are hel in any desired position longitudinally as well as transversely of the upright 45 by the provision of clamping bolts 33 which are in all respects similar to the bolts theretofore. mentioned. Washers 52 are preferably provided adjacent the heads of the kbolts 33 and adjacent the wing nuts 34 as indicated in Fig. 5 to prevent undue wear on the contacted portions of the frame. Dierent forms of contacting and pressure devices adapted lo be used upon upright 45 are shown in plan in Figs. 7, 8, 9, l() and 1l and will not be described in detail.

Each of these devices as previously indicated has a portion 50 for adjusting the device in two dimensions upon the upright. Contacting devices of which Atwo are shown in Fig. l and one in large scale in Fig. 7 are adapted to contact the hips and shoulders respectively of a human body supported on saddle seats These devices comprise a cross piece 56 attached to adjusting portion 50 and having elongated slots through which clamping bolts 57 pass.-

Bolts 57 are longer than the previously described clamping bolts 33 and have their heads fast in members 58 substantially triangular in form and having a forwardly disposed curved surface 59 for fitting the contour of the body. /By reason of the greater length of bolts 57 wedge members 60 may be inserted when desired between members 58 and cross piece 56 to provide on the frame.

adjustment in a third dimension in casadeformity in these portions of the body is to be treated. f

To contact the spine between the hips and the shoulders devices 61 comprising blocks having slightly convex outer faces as shown in Fig. 9 are provided. Contacting member 62 consists of a block having a slightly concave surface adapted to lit the neck of the person seated on the frame and is shown in plan in Fig. l0. In Fig. 11 is shown contacting member 63 for receiving the head of the person seated This member in combination with its lsupporting portion 50 is substantially'Y-shaped. j

The contacting members heretofore described are particularly devised for fixing the position and posture of the body received upon the frame or for indicating the normal contour thereof. For the purpose of correcting deformities-other devices particularly adapted for applying pressure at localized points are provided.z The members for applying pressure directly to .the vertebrae making up the spine are indicated by the reference'character 65 and shownin plan in' Fig.v 5. VLThese members vare pro-' vided witha tip 66 in the form of a ball,

preferably of resilient material such as softv 45 is slottedgto adjustably. receive thereonk members 69 also provided with soft rubber tips 66. Members 69 arere'ceived in 'the horizontal slots 1n members 68 and have aXial slots 1n a vertical plane through which clamping bolts 33 extend for clamping the members in adjusted position.' This ar- 1 rangement permits the individual adjustmentk of members 69 in two dimensions and the adjustment of contacting devices 67 as a whole in a third dimension. As many of the above devices as are necessary or desirable may be mounted upon the upright 45. In Figs.` l kand 3 two devices 67 are shown and two devices 65. Incase the portions of the body adjacent a deformity which is to be corrected are .particularly sensitive to pressure a different form of contacting tip is used on members and 69 instead of the ball 66 which applies thepressure to a very restricted portion. A preferred form of tip for such use isshown in Figs. 12 and 13 and comprises a hollow cup or semicircular diskv 70 ofresilient material such as soft` rubber. When such a tip is in-.use the edge of the cup readily yields and forms an .air cushion by trapping air'within the cup, thus distributing the pressure over a considerable area. y

ratus. Contact members 58 are next ad-` justed to Contact the body in the region of the hips. By using a band, belt orjstrapr attached to or passing around the upright 45 and then around .the body in the vicinity of the hips the lower portion of the'body of the patient may be stilllvmore securely fixedv in position. The shoulder contacting mem'- bers 58 are next yproperly positioned and thereafter the 'member 6.1` at intervals along i 1.10' A method of using Ythe apparatus.*willy the spine, then the neck piece 62 and head piece 63. The contour of the bony support of the body is now indicated by the various contacting devices. If these devices are clamped in position to indicate the normal contour before the patient is seated on the apparatus a plane of reference and points and the normal curve of the back where itl departs from the curve of the back of the patient is indicated by a dotted line. The contact devices heretofore described are now sov adjusted that strong pressure is applied at the points indicated by H which correspond to the region of the hips or lowery lumbar` spine, and tq the region of the shoulders. In the central portion of the back where thecurve of the back departs from the normal curve in an outward direction the contact devices are so adjusted as to apply an extremely light or a barely perceptible touching pressure. The patient is now encouraged, while holding the body against the contact members at the points H, to equalize the pressure between the parts of light pressure indicated at L and of heavy pressure indicated at H. In order to do this the patient will find it necessary to contract the structural muscles in the region of light pressure. This will pull the spine at the points of light pressure inwardly against the contact members. By using the device frequently without changing the adjustment of the contacting devices the weakened muscles which have permitted the cenk tral portion of the spine to be misplaced will be exercised and strengthened. Contacting members along the curve of deformity will be readjusted from time to time Yas the muscles become stronger and the deformity diminishes until the curve of the patients back becomes normal. l

For the purpose of graphically illustrating the pressure curve in a case of this kind ordinates of pressure may be measured from line 45 as an axis. Any arbitrary standard of measurement may be used but in this instance, lightness or delicacy of pressure is the standard. Hence the crest of the curve is opposite the regions of light pressure marked L. The pressure curve soconstructed, is indicated by dash line x and is vin all respects both quantitatively and in aspect similar to the curve of deformity.

Fig. 15 illustrates a case in which the curvature is both anterior and posterior,

similar indicia being used to indicate the relative position of the parts, 45 representing the upright, 2l the supporting block, a full line the curve of the body, a dotted line the departure of the normal curve of the body from the curve of deformity. The points of high pressure are near the center of the patients back along the line of the posterior curvature with normal pressure near the hips, normal pressure being intermediate between high pressure and light pressure, light pressure is applied to the upper portion of the body near the anterior curvature indicated by L. The pressure curve made out with the same arbitrary standard of the greatest ordinate for the lightest pressure is indicated by yand shown in dash lines. This curve is likewise found to be similar quantitatively and in aspect to the curve of deformity.

lIn Fig. 16 is illustrated` the method of using the device for correctingr a compound lateral curvature, the normal plane ofthe spine being indicated by a dotted line, the curve of the spinal deformation by a heavy black line. The plane of reference along the line of the normal plane of the spine will be established on the apparatus by the use of Contact members 58 for the hips and shoulders, Contact members 6l and 62 for the spine, and 63 for the head. For the purpose of applying differential pressure to the sides of the body in horizontal planes in the regions of departure of the patients spine from the normal pressure members 69 are used. In the diagram the areas of strong pressure are marked by an X indicated by the letter H, the areas of the light pressure by circles indicated by L. As many of the pressure members 69 are used as are deemed necessary to produce the -desired sensations of pressure. With the upper and lower portion of the trunk ixed in position, namely, the pelvis by saddle seats 36 and hip Contact members 58 with or without arstrap extending around the body as heretofore described, and they head, neck and shoulders fixed by other'contact members 63, 62 and 58, the patient is encouraged to move his body until he feels an equality of pressures in the areas marked 'O andV X. This sensation of equal pressure in view of the fixed position of the upper and lower parts'of the body can take place only by the contraction of structural muscles in the areas of light pressure. The contraction of these muscles which produces a sensation of equal pressure tends to draw the misplaced vertebrae back into l"their proper location. At the left of Fig. 16 the pressure curves are indicated. Since pressure is applied at both sides of the plane of the spinei two pressure curves are produced theordinates of pressure on the right of the diagram being considered as positive, thoseon the left as negative. The two pressurecurves lill thus produced are similar in aspect to each other but substantially the reverse both in quantity and aspect to the curve yof de'-V formity.

In the apparatus here shown and above described Afor the purpose of exemplifying my invention, the base, legs and seat portions are specifically secondary or auxiliary; their function is to' determine, or

sist in determining, a fixed relation between the body of thevperson under treatment, and the differential pressure-contact apparatus, which also, in the example here shown, is fixed to and supported by, the framework comprising the seat, legs and base. Whether a patient be treated sitting, standing, or even while walking, the framework which carries the differential pressure contact members is to be, as a whole, fixed in relation to the body of thepatient so as to constitute a mechanical standard of reference, in relation to displacements and deformities of `corporeal structure which are under treat ment Jfor corrections by means of muscular eorts stimulated and guided by the pressure-sensations produced by local adjustments of the Contact members of the apparatus. s

To attain the best results with the herein disclosed apparatus corrective exercises properly guided Aby the contact members used as described, should be frequently performed. Hence the best results will be attained by using the apparatusiin the home. A skilled physician or operator will firstadjust the contact and pressure members to begin the correction of the deformity. The patient may then under the guidance of the device perform the exercises himself with out supervision or, if very young,-the parents may see that he maintains a proper position on the support when exercising. As the correction of vthe defect is gradually effected the operator or physician will from time to time change the adjustments until the cure is complete.

I claim:

l. Grthopedic apparatus comprising a frame, means on said frame for supporting` a human body, including a saddle seat having two parts individually adjustable, and .a

series of. members adjustably mounted on said frame and adapted to be selectively positioned to indicate theV normal contour of the body supported by said frame.

2. Orthopedic `apparatus comprising a frame, means on said frame for supporting a human body, including a saddle seat having two parts individually adjustable, and

a foot rest adjustably `mounted. below said seat, and a series `of members adjustably mounted on saidv frame and adapted to be selectively positioned to indicate the normal cont-our of vthe body supported by said frame.

3. Orthopedic apparatus comprising, a frame for supporting a human body and a series ofpositioning members, each adjustable in more than one dimension A.for contacting the body at vselected points whereby the position of the body relative to lthe frame may be fixed. i

s 4. Orthopedic apparatus comprisingv a" frame, a support for. a human body on said frame, 'and a series of members adjustably mounted on said frame for contacting said body at selected points in the same plane combine yto lfix the position of the body rela-y tive tothe frame.

Vwhereby said support' and said membersl 5. rOrthopedic apparatus comprising a frame, a support fora human body on said frame, a series of members adjustably mounted to Contact said body at selected pointsin the same plane, and other members adjustably mounted for contacting the adapted to be placed in position to define the normal curve of the body, and fmeans for ,producing sensations of differential pressure on the body in the region of an abnormality' to guide the patient in the exercise of his muscles to correct said abnormality.

j 7. Orthopedic vapparatus comprising a plurality of positioning points adapted to contact with selected vportions of the human body, and a plurality `of adjustable rpres sure members, adaptedto make contact with other portions of the body positioned by the positioning` points. 1 I

8. Orthopedic apparatus co1nprisinga loo frame and means for aligning it with a hu man body, contact members mounted on and adjustable with respect Vto said frame, and

adapted to produce perceptible :and differenti ated pressures on selected regions of the body vwith relation to which the said Vframe is aligned.l i f .j f

9. Orthopedic apparatus Ycomprising. a

frame having `a support for a humanbody adapted toV fix the positionwof the base of v the trunk' of said body relative to Vsaid frame, and a series of members adjustable onsaid frame, certainof said members hav-j' i ing convex faces and others of saidimembers A having concave faces adapted to contact said bodyr at selectedV points tofurtlier fix its position'.

-lOfOrthopedic apparatus comprising .a frame adapted to be aligned with a human body, a plurality of members adjustably mOulited on said frame for contacting said body yat' selected points substantially in the plane of the spine thereof, and otherv members adjustably supported on said frame for contacting said body at selected points spaced from the plane of the spine thereof.

'3.1. Crthopedic apparatus comprising means for fixing the position of a human body and contact members adjustable relative to said means for applying dilerential pressure to selected points on said body while in liXed position.v

12. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a base, a s upport in spaced relation to said base, members connecting said base and said support, a foot rest mounted lfor vertical adjustment on said members, a seat on said support, a post vertically disposed on said support, and a plurality of members adjustably mounted on said post for selectively contacting portions of a human body received on said seat.

13. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a base, va support in spaced relation to said base, members connecting said base and said support, a foot rest mounted for vertical adjustment on said members, a seat adjustably mounted on said support, a post vertically disposed on said support, and a plurality of members adjustably mounted on said post for selectively contacting portions of a hu# vman body received on said seat.

14. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a base, a support in spaced relation to said base, members connecting said base and said support, a foot rest mounted for vertical adjustment on said members, a saddle seat in 'two parts mounted on said support, a post vertically disposed on said support, and a plurality of members adjustably mounted on said post for selectively contacting portions of a human body received on said Y seat.

15. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a base, a support in spaced relation to said base, members connecting said base and said support, a foot rest mounted for verticalA base, members connecting said base and said support, a foot rest mounted for vertical kzuljustment on said members, a seat on said support, a post vertically disposed on said support, said post having a longitudinally disposed slot, a plurality of members having portions extending into said slot for adjustment in at least one dimension,

'parts adjustable toward and means forretaining said kmembers in adjusted position, whereby the saine may be caused to contact a human body received on said seat at any desired points.

1'?. Urthopedic apparatus comprising a l base, a support in spaced relation to said base, members connecting` said base and said support, a foot rest mounted for vertical adjustinent on said members, a seat on said` support, a post vertically disposed on said t" support, said post having crossed slotsY longitudinally disposed therein, a plurality of members having portions extending into one of sa'd slots for adjustment in at least i one dimension, and means through the other slot for retaining said members in adjusted position, whereby said members may be positioned to contact at extending any desired points a human body received means on said upright for applying pliysical pressures differential in intensity to selected portions of a human body supported on said seat.

19. Grthopedic apparatus Comprising a frame having means for supporting a hu man body including a saddle seat in two from each other.

20. Grthopedic apparatus comprising` a frame having means for supporting a human body including a saddle seatV in two parts individually adjustable toward and from a portion of said frame.

2l.' Orthopedic apparatus comprising` a frame having means for supporting a human body including a .saddle seat in two parts, said parts having concavities to receive the ischia bones of a patient.'

22. Grtliopedic apparatus comprising a frame having means for supporting a human body including a saddle seat in two parts adjustable toward and from each other, said parts having concavitiesto receive the ischia bones of a patient.

23. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a traine having means for supporting a human body including a saddle seat in two parts adjustable toward and from each other, said parts having concavities eccentrically 'dis-fl posed to receive the ischia bones of a patient.

L24. Y @rthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having means for supporting a human body including` a saddle seat in two parts adjustable' toward and from each other, each part having a disk having a concave upper surface to receive the ischium bone of a patient.

25. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having means for supporting a human body including a saddle seat in t-Wo parts adjustable toward and from each other, each part comprising a cushion and a thick disk of relatively hard material hava concave upper surface for receiving a centering ischium bone of a patient.

26.*Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having means for supporting a hu-v man body including a saddle seat in tWo parts, each part having a member With a concave upper surface to receive and center the ischium bone or' a patient, and an opening at the base of the concavity for a clamping bolt cooperating with the frame for purposes of adjustment.

27. Orthopedic apparatus com arising a frame having an upright, means for supporting a human body in alignment with said upright, including a seat, and means for fixing the position of the body relative to said upright comprising members having` broad Vcontacting surfaces adjustably mount ed on said upright and adapted tobe positioned to Contact said body at the hips, shoulders, and along the curve of the spine.

Orthopedic apparatus comprising a Jframe having an upright, means for supporting a human body in alignment With said upright, a plurality or" members `adjustably mounted on said upright `for lixing' the position of the body relative thereto and adapted to be positioned to contact said body at the hips, Yshoulders and along. the spine, and means adjustably mounted upon said upright for applying physical pressure, differential in intensity to selected parts of said body.

29. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having an upright, means for suportinO a human bod in alignment with said upright, means for fixing the position of the body relative to said upright, and pressure members having resilient tips adjustably mounted on said upright for applying physical pressure, differential in intensity to selected parts of said body.

30. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having an upright, means for supporting a human body in alignment With said upright, means for iixing the position of the body relative to said upright, and pressure members having tips of resilient material, said members being adjustably mounted on said upright for applying physical pressure, differential in intensity, to selected parts of said body.

31. Orthopedie apparatus comprising a iframe having an upright, means on said frame for supporting a human body in alignment with said upright, a cross piece adjustable vertically *and horizontally of said upright, and spaced blocks adjustably mounted on said cross piece for selectively contacting spaced points ofthe body in the same horizontal plane.

32. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame havingV an upright, means on said frame for supporting a human body iin alignment With said upright, a cross piece adjustable vertically and horizontally of` said upright, and spaced blocks adjustably mountedfon said cross piece for selectively contacting spaced points of the body in the same horizontal plane, said blocks being substantially triangular in form and having their outer faces slightly concave to substantially fit the contour of the body.

33. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having an upright, means on said frame for supporting a human body in alignment With said upright, a cross *piece adjustable vertically and horizontally vof said upright, and spaced blocks adjustably mounted on said cross piece tor selectively contacting spaced points of the body in the same horizontal plane, the attachment of said blocks to said cross piece being suchas to permit the 'ormer to be supported in spaced relation to the latter, rand Wedge pieces adapted to -be inserted therebetween to vary the angular relationship of the blocks to the cross piece to lit deformed portions of the body. Y y

31h Orthopedic apparatus comprising a 'frame having an upright, means 0n Ysaid framer for supporting' a human vbody in alignment with said upright, across piece mounted on said upright and having longitudinal slots, members mounted on said cross piece by means of clamping bolts passing through said slots, said members being adjustable longitudinally and transverselyy lof said cross piece to contact selected por` tions of the body.

35. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having an upright, ymeans on said l'frame for supporting a human body in alignment with said upright, a cross piece mounted on said upright and having longitudinal slots, a member having alongitudinal slot and received in one of theslots in said cross piece, and a clamping bolt passe ing through the second slot in the cross piece and the slot in said' member whereby said member may be clamped in any desired position in the plane of said cross piece. f

36. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having an upright, means on said frame for supporting a human body in alignment With said upright, a cross piece mounted on said upright and having vertically disposed intersecting longitudinal slots, an elongate member having a longitudinal slot and received in one 0f the slots in said cross piece, and a clamping bolt passing through the second slot in the cross piece and the slotin said member whereby said member may be clamped in any desired position in the plane of said cross piece.

37. Grthopedic apparatus 'comprising a frame having an upright, means on said trame for supporting a human body in alignment with said uprigl'it, a cross piece mounted on said support and having vertically disposed, intersecting longitudinal slots, elongate members each having a longi tudinal slot, received in certain of the slots in said cross piece, and clamping bolts passing through the slots in said members and v.

clam )infT bolts )assind throueh the slots in Y t t1 C5 said members and others of the slots in said cross piece, to clamp said members 1n any y desired position relative to said cross piece,

said members having tips ot' resilient material for contacting said body.

39. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a 'frame having an upright. means on said frame for supporting a human body in alignment with said upright, a cross piece mounted for adjustment vertically and horizontally of said upright, said cross piece having' at each end longitudinal, intersecting slots disposed in horizontal and vertical planes, elongate members each havinga longitudinal slot received in the horizontal "lots oi' said cross piece, means extending through the slots in said members and the vertical slots in said cross piecefor clamping said members in any desired position relative to said cross piece whereby differential pressures may be applied to said body in a horizontal plane.

lO. Orthopedic apparatus comprising a frame having an upright, means on said frame for supporting a human body in alignment with said upright, a cross piece mounted for adjustment vertically and horizontally ot' said upright, said cross piece having at each endlongitudinal, intersecting slots disposed in horizontal and vertical planes, elongate members each having a longitudinal slot received in the horizontal slots of said cross piece, means extending through the slots in said members and the vertical slots on said cross piece for clamping said members in any desired position relative to said cross piece Wherebydiferential pressures may be applied to said body in a horizontal plane, said members having cup-shaped contact tips of soft rubber.

Signed by me at Boston, Massachusetts, this sixteenth day of February, 1922.

MABEL ELSVVORTH TODD. 

